Best Theater Residencies

Callie’s

Berlin, Germany

Callie’s is a non-profit experimental institution in Berlin dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through its residency program, exhibitions, and public programs. Housed in a former machine factory in the Wedding district, Callie’s offers private studio spaces, a movement studio with a sprung floor, a cooperative sound studio, and a dedicated writing room. The residency is self-guided, allowing artists at any stage of their careers to explore new ideas without production requirements. Artists-in-residence can also request on-site accommodation in micro-apartments, designed with handmade and custom elements. Callie’s fosters an open and interdisciplinary environment, with periodic informal gatherings, networking opportunities, and access to Berlin’s rich cultural landscape. While the residency covers workspace and resources, it does not provide direct funding for travel or materials. The program is open to visual artists, musicians, choreographers, writers, poets, and researchers, supporting a wide range of creative practices. Residencies typically last six months, with some flexibility for shorter stays.

Delfina Foundation

London, United Kingdom

The Delfina Foundation Residency Program, based in London, offers opportunities for artists, curators, and writers to develop their practice, explore connections, and build collaborations. Residencies, lasting up to three months, are largely thematic and support both emerging and established cultural practitioners. The Foundation hosts 6 to 8 residents simultaneously in its central London location, providing flexible living and working space. Residents engage with international peers and the public, fostering artistic exchange and professional development. The program has a strong focus on critical issues in contemporary art and has established relationships with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

Vashon Artist Residency

Vashon Island, Washington, United States

The Vashon Artist Residency, located on Vashon Island in Washington State, offers artists time and space to create in a serene setting along the Salish Sea. Founded by visual artist Cathy Sarkowsky, the residency provides comfortable accommodations and studio spaces for artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, dance, theater, music, media, literary, and interdisciplinary arts. The program is self-directed, allowing emerging, mid-career, and established artists to focus on their work without imposed expectations. Residency sessions range from 2 to 3.5 weeks, with a sliding-scale, need-based fee structure to ensure accessibility. The residency encourages diversity and welcomes artists from different backgrounds, fostering a rich communal environment. Artists are selected based on the strength of their proposals, with no requirements for public presentations or productivity. The Vashon Artist Residency emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive space where artists can recharge and develop their practice.

NES Artist Residency

Skagaströnd, Iceland

The NES Artist Residency in Skagaströnd, Iceland, offers a flexible and supportive environment for artists from around the world. The residency hosts 9-12 artists monthly, encouraging stays of two months or more for an immersive experience. NES provides individual workspaces in shared studios, with specific facilities for writers, dancers, performers, and musicians. The residency features two monthly events: free format artist presentations and public open studio events, with support for pop-up exhibitions. While the residency does not include structured programming, the NES team assists with logistical and artistic support as needed. The family-friendly residency offers various accommodation options, including single and double rooms, a private dance studio, and a three-bedroom apartment for families. NES operates year-round, welcoming artists of all disciplines to engage in a creative community surrounded by Iceland’s stunning natural landscape.

Farm Studio

Andore Village, Rajasthan, India

Farm Studio International Artist Residency in Rajasthan, India, offers artists from all disciplines an opportunity to develop their work in a rural community setting. Founded to foster creative exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian rural artists and international contemporary artists, Farm Studio supports community-based activities and celebrates local cultural identity. The residency provides accommodation, meals, studio spaces, and an exhibition opportunity, encouraging experimentation and intercultural exchange. Artists are responsible for their travel, visa, and personal expenses. The program hosts residencies from October to the end of February each year, accommodating 3-6 artists at a time.

R.A.R.O. Bogotá (RARO Bogota)

Bogotá, Colombia

R.A.R.O. is an international residency program that fosters artistic links and exchanges. The 2024 edition of the program will expand to Bogotá, offering a unique itinerant residency experience. Residents will work across multiple local artist studios, engaging with different artists, curators, and researchers. The program includes a series of activities such as studio visits, gallery tours, and dialogue sessions to facilitate collaboration and exchange. The residency aims to provide a dynamic environment for artistic development, culminating in a group exhibition at Espacio Odeón. The program is open to emerging and established artists from all disciplines, offering full and half grants to selected participants.

Tulsa Artist Fellowship

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

Tulsa Artist Fellowship is a unique, place-based initiative designed to support artists across various disciplines by providing them with the resources they need to thrive creatively in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Each year, the fellowship selects new awardees through an open call process, offering a generous package that includes a $150,000 grant spread over three years, a yearly housing stipend of $12,000, health and studio assistant stipends, and a one-time relocation stipend. Awardees are provided with fully-subsidized studio spaces situated in Tulsa’s vibrant cultural district, enriched by galleries, performance venues, and green spaces. The fellowship is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, extending specific invitations to Native American artists and promoting a broad spectrum of artistic practices. This nurturing environment not only supports individual creative growth but also encourages artists to engage with the community through collaborative projects and public interactions. By integrating artists into the heart of Tulsa, the fellowship aims to enhance the city's cultural landscape and affirm its place as a center of creative activity. Recognizing the profound impact of art on social change, the fellowship aligns with the George Kaiser Family Foundation’s vision, which focuses on transformative impact through arts and culture. The program is an opportunity for artists to develop ambitious projects that resonate with both local and global audiences, ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment.